The FLU is coming! Big Damn Deal.

The FLU is coming! Big Damn Deal.

THE FLU (influenza virus in all it’s mutation) has always been here and it will never go away. It is known by various names, yet it remains a common infection – sometimes of the sinuses, the stomach, the joints, and even combinations. This is not to downplay the discomfort or the possibility for disastrous outcomes, but let’s put the conversation about THE FLU into a less emotional and hysterical context.

The infecting viruses are transferred from person to person, usually riding on airborne particles (dust, droplets). Yes, the bad guys can also be found on physical items – door knobs, counter tops eating utensils, and even on peoples’ hands. The bad news is that the virus attacks when it gets INTO our system and sets up shop.

Inhalation is a primary entry route. So are the eyes, and any open lesions on the skin. Viruses do not penetrate the skin and burrow themselves into our bodies, so merely shaking hands with someone will not transfer a disease. Using a contaminated hand to wipe your eye, or pick at something on the skin, will act as an opening for an attack.

Slathering on those alcohol gels does little to protect anyone. Alcohol rub sanitizers will kill most bacteria, and fungi, and stop some viruses. The products that contain at least 70% alcohol (mainly ethyl alcohol) kill 99.9% of the bacteria on hands. If the product dries too soon (under 30 seconds), the effect is poor. Hand sanitizers that contain triclosan can be dangerous as well, but that’s another story.

Hand washing with plain soap and water is the best way to remove possible invaders. Wet the hands. Lather the soap. Scrub for 20 to 30 seconds (count or sing a verse of “Happy Birthday to You”). Shake hands dry. Use a clean disposable towel or a air dryer. Do not use a towel that someone else has used. Yuck.

Because the KEY to transmission is in the air, we should be concerned about where we place ourselves in relation to the bugs. Don’t inhale contaminated particles and you probably will stay healthy. Easier said than done, you might respond.

It is highly likely a person will avoid the worst of THE FLU when they take precautions. Even doing our best, we can come down with symptoms, but that isn’t all bad. Mild forms of the virus help us build our own immunities, similar to the way a vaccine is supposed to work. Instead of intentionally infecting yourself with an influenza vaccination, there are some simple steps to take to minimize the whole ordeal.

2. If you get THE FLU, take care of yourself and don’t do things that will contaminate others. Of prime importance is to stay home a day or two when you feel ill – sleep and do healthy things. This is of utmost importance if you are coughing or sneezing. Nobody is so important that they should think they can go out into the public and infect others. Nobody. Anything and everything can be done by someone else – or delayed a few days.

3. If you happen to be someplace where there is a lot of coughing and sneezing, get the heck out of there. Except for jail, there isn’t any place you are forced to be. After leaving, be sure to wash your hands and keep them away from your face. Also, drink extra fluids and plan load up on some extra vitamin C (1,000 mg with each meal) and vitamin D (50,000 IU twice a day for two to three days).